Trial date set for Saudi airman in Vegas rape case

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Nevada judge set trial Oct. 7 for a Saudi Arabia air force sergeant accused of raping a 13-year-old boy at a Las Vegas Strip hotel on New Year's Eve.

Prosecutor Mary Kay Holthus said Monday that DNA evidence shows the 23-year-old aircraft mechanic had physical contact with the boy.

Clark County District Court Judge Stefany Miley also decided that four witnesses can't testify by Internet hookup from Saudi Arabia, and that bail for Mazen Alotaibi (MAH'-zen ah-loh-TAH'-bee) will remain $1.7 million.

Alotaibi is jailed pending trial.

He previously not guilty to charges including kidnapping, lewdness and sexual assault with a minor in the Dec. 31 incident.

Defense attorney Don Chairez will ask the judge Aug. 1 to throw out a statement that police say Alotaibi provided following his arrest.